March 2, 2007

Contact:
Keri Ferguson
Corporate Communications & Public Relations, LHSC
519-685-8500, ext. 77129

Victoria hospital Paediatric ER staff help London Food Bank feed young families

(LONDON, Ontario) Victoria Hospital Paediatric ER staff are about to provide the London Food Bank with a large amount of baby food and baby supplies.

A baby food and product drive, which took place throughout the month of February, brought in over 92 jars of baby food, 24 boxes of pablum as well as several boxes of diapers, finger food, concentrated formula and various toiletries.

It was the cold, bitter days of January that inspired the staff to lend a hand to those less fortunate. As Paediatric ER charge nurse, Karen Bondy explains, “We were discussing how cold it was and how fortunate we were to have jobs that not only allowed us to adequately heat our homes but feed our families. It just made us want to help people who feel stretched financially at this time of year.”

Along with Paediatric ER physician, Jennifer Kilgar, Bondy spearheaded a charitable drive for food and products specifically for babies and children; the age group they work with each day.

All donations are slated to go to The London Food Bank and Bondy concedes, “The organization was quite delighted as they don’t always receive donations that are specifically for babies and young children”.

'This food drive certainly contributed positively to staff morale”, says the co-ordinator of the Paediatric Emergency Department, Pamela Weaver. “The results in both the donations and the teamwork involved were great to see”.

Karen Bondy and Jennifer Kilgar will be packing up the food and other items and getting it ready to go on Monday, March 5 at 11:30 in the physician’s office of the Paediatric ER